Aerosol-generating device with orientation sensor

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (100) is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device comprises: an orientation sensor (102) configured to detect an orientation of the device; a sensor (104) configured to detect a strike or shake event at the device; and a controller (106) configured to activate the sensor to detect a strike or shake when it is determined that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is within a predefined orientation range, and disable the sensor when it is determined that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is not within the predefined orientation range, the controller is further configured to operate a component of the device when the sensor is enabled and a strike or shake is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol generating device having an orientation sensor for improving safety. Background Art

[0002] There is a need for aerosol generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes, with improved safety and usability. It is an object of the present invention to provide an aerosol generating device that may address some of these needs. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, which includes: an orientation sensor, which is configured to detect the orientation of the device; a sensor, which is configured to detect a knock or shake event at the device; and a controller, which is configured to enable the sensor to detect the knock or shake when it is determined that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is within a predefined orientation range, and disable the sensor when it is determined that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is not within the predefined orientation range, wherein the controller is further configured to operate a component of the device when the sensor is enabled and when a knock or shake is detected.

[0004] In this way, the security of the device is improved because the likelihood of the device's sensors being accidentally activated is reduced. The sensors can detect tapping or shaking of the device only when the device is in a specific orientation. Thus, the likelihood of the device being accidentally operated when the device is not in an orientation associated with normal use, such as when the device is in a user's bag or pocket, is reduced.

[0005] Preferably, the controller is configured to detect shaking involving movement of the device in a horizontal, vertical, or azimuthal direction.

[0006] Preferably, the controller is further configured to operate a component of the device when determining the direction of movement of the device when it is shaken.

[0007] The controller of the device can preferably recognize shaking movements in multiple directions, and therefore, the controller can associate these directions with different instructions that the user may wish to issue to the device. The controller can determine in which direction the device was tapped / shaken from the data from the sensor. In this way, the user experience can be improved. For example, shaking in a vertical direction can be used to instruct the controller to turn on the heater of the device, shaking in a horizontal direction can instruct the controller to turn off the heater of the device, and shaking in an azimuth direction can instruct the controller to present battery status information of the device.

[0008] Preferably, the controller is configured to operate a heating function of the device when the sensor is enabled, when a tap or a shake is detected.

[0009] Preferably, the orientation sensor comprises a gyroscope. In this way, the orientation of the device can be accurately detected. The orientation sensor can be a device with a PCB board mounted.

[0010] Preferably, the sensor comprises an accelerometer. In this way, the movement of the device can be accurately detected. More specifically, knocking or shaking of the device can be more accurately detected. The sensor can be a device with a PCB board mounted.

[0011] Preferably, the device comprises an external body. Preferably, the sensor is connected to the external body. In this way, the sensor can accurately detect knocking or shaking because the sensor is connected to the rigid external body.

[0012] Preferably, the sensor is configured to detect the number of times the outer body of the device has been tapped. Preferably, the sensor is configured to detect the location on the outer body that has been tapped. The sensor can detect intentional tapping and shaking inputs from a user in this way, as distinct from those that may be accidental inputs. Preferably, the predefined orientation range includes an orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the device is confined to within a cone defined around a vertical axis. Preferably, the predefined orientation range is bounded by the surface of the cone defined around the vertical axis, and wherein the sensor is an enabled sensor to detect a tap or shake upon determining that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is within the bounding surface of the cone.

[0013] In this way, the sensor may be enabled when the device is in the orientation that most likely corresponds to the orientation for intended use. It will be appreciated that a user may hold an aerosol-generating device in a number of different ways, and may hold the device in different ways in different circumstances. However, it has been found that most intended uses of the device correspond to circumstances in which the device is held such that its longitudinal axis is within a cone defined about the vertical axis.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for using an aerosol generating device is provided, the method comprising: using an orientation sensor to detect the orientation of the device; when it is determined that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is within a predefined orientation range, using a controller to enable the sensor to detect a tap or shake event, and when it is determined that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is not within the predefined orientation range, using the controller to disable the sensor; and when the sensor is enabled and a tap or shake event is detected, using the controller to operate components of the device.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method steps defined above.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generating device is provided, which includes: a motion sensor configured to detect movement of the device; a sensor configured to detect user input; and a controller configured to operate components of the device when the motion sensor detects movement of the device and then the sensor detects user input, wherein the movement of the device detected by the motion sensor corresponds to a predetermined movement.

[0017] In this manner, the security of the device is improved because the likelihood of accidental activation of a component of the device is reduced because the device must be moved in a motion corresponding to a predetermined motion and a user input must then be detected in order for the component to operate. Components of the device cannot be operated when the device is not moved in a manner associated with normal use or when the device is substantially stationary (e.g., when the device is in a bag or pocket of a user).

[0018] Preferably, the controller is configured to enable the sensor to detect user input when it is determined that the movement of the device corresponds to a predetermined movement, and to disable the sensor so as not to detect user input when it is determined that the movement of the device does not correspond to the predetermined movement, wherein the controller is further configured to operate a component of the device when the sensor is enabled and when user input is detected.

[0019] The sensor may be enabled when the device has been moved in a manner characteristic of a user holding the device. It will be appreciated that a user may hold an aerosol generating device in a number of different ways and may hold the device in different ways in different circumstances. Some users may wish to operate the device while lying down. However, typically the device is first held from a stationary position, regardless of the preferred mode of use. The action corresponds to a predetermined movement in a Cartesian reference frame with expected acceleration values ​​and with expected rotations in yaw, pitch and roll.

[0020] Preferably, the controller is configured to prevent operation of components of the device if the sensor does not detect a user input within a predefined time period of a predetermined movement. Preferably, after detecting a predetermined movement (which predetermined movement may correspond to enabling the sensor), the controller is further configured to disable the sensor after a predefined time period. Preferably, the predefined time period is 3 seconds. In this way, the usability and safety of the device are further improved. During transportation, the device may be accidentally moved in a way that may happen to indicate that the user is picking up the device. Preferably, the device cannot be activated unless an input has been received within a certain amount of time. Moreover, during normal use, the user input is typically provided during a predictable time window after the predetermined movement ends.

[0021] Preferably, the motion sensor comprises an accelerometer. In this way, translational movement of the device can be accurately detected. The accelerometer can be a PCB mounted device.

[0022] Preferably, the motion sensor comprises a gyroscope. In this way, the orientation of the device can be accurately detected. The gyroscope can be a PCB mounted device.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sensor and the motion sensor may be the same. For example, the sensor and the motion sensor may include an accelerometer. In another embodiment, the sensor and the motion sensor may be separate and discrete components. For example, the sensor may be a button and the motion sensor may include an accelerometer. In some embodiments, the sensor may include one or more buttons and an accelerometer.

[0024] The motion sensor may include one or more accelerometers or gyroscopes, and the motion data may include acceleration values ​​in a Cartesian reference frame and rotations in yaw, pitch, and roll.

[0025] Preferably, the motion sensor is configured to send motion data corresponding to the detected motion of the device to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to store the motion data in the data storage medium.

[0026] Preferably, the controller is configured to compare the movement data with data stored in the data storage medium corresponding to a predetermined movement.

[0027] In this way, the controller can accurately determine whether the detected motion of the device matches the predetermined motion. The data corresponding to the predetermined motion may also include acceleration values ​​in a Cartesian reference frame and rotations in yaw, pitch, and roll. The controller can tolerate a certain amount of deviation between the motion data and the data corresponding to the predetermined motion because the user may not hold the device in the same way every time they wish to use the device.

[0028] Preferably, the predetermined movement instructs the user to pick up the device. In this way, the sensor is less likely to be accidentally activated. The movement instructing the user to pick up the device may include a movement in which the longitudinal axis of the device rotates from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation. However, other movements may be possible for different picking actions and situations.

[0029] Preferably, the motion data comprises a timestamp indicating the time at which the motion sensor detected motion of the device.

[0030] In this way, the controller is able to determine when the device was last picked up.Therefore, the controller can determine whether a user input has been received within a predefined time period.

[0031] Preferably, the controller is configured to delete the motion data from the data storage medium after a predefined duration from the timestamp. Preferably, the predefined duration is 30 minutes, one hour, or one day.

[0032] Preferably, the controller is further configured to enable the sensor to detect user input when it is determined that the device orientation detected by the motion sensor is within a predefined orientation range. Preferably, the controller is further configured to disable the sensor when it is determined that the device orientation detected by the motion sensor is not within the predefined orientation range. In this way, the security of the device is further improved because the possibility of the sensor of the device being accidentally activated is further reduced. This dual requirement means that the sensor can only receive user input when a predetermined motion is detected and the device is in a predefined orientation range after the predetermined motion.

[0033] Preferably, the predefined range of orientations comprises orientations in which the longitudinal axis of the device is confined to within a cone defined around a vertical axis. In this way, after the device is picked up, the sensor may be enabled when the device is in the orientation that most likely corresponds to the orientation for intended use. It will be appreciated that a user may hold the aerosol-generating device in a number of different ways, and may hold the device in different ways in different circumstances. However, it has been found that most intended uses of the device correspond to circumstances in which the device is held such that its longitudinal axis is within a cone defined around a vertical axis.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating an aerosol generating device is provided, the method comprising: using a motion sensor to detect movement of the device; and when the motion sensor detects movement of the device and then the sensor detects user input, operating a component of the device, wherein the movement of the device detected by the motion sensor corresponds to a predetermined movement.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method steps defined above.

[0036] Features of one aspect of the invention may be combined with features of any other aspect of the invention. Further, apparatus features may be provided as corresponding method features, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing a control sequence in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a predefined orientation region in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing a control sequence in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the orientation of the apparatus is depicted as changing from a first starting orientation to a first ending orientation;

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the orientation of the apparatus is depicted as changing from a second starting orientation to a second ending orientation;

[0044] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the orientation of the apparatus is depicted as changing from a third starting orientation to a third ending orientation; and

[0045] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a control sequence in another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. The aerosol generating device 100 includes: an orientation sensor 102, which is configured to detect the orientation of the aerosol generating device 100; a sensor 104, which is configured to detect a tap or shake event at the aerosol generating device 100; a button 105, which is configured to detect a user input; a controller 106; a heater 108, which is configured to heat a consumable 110; an external body 112; and a data storage medium 114.

[0047] The orientation sensor 102 is configured to detect the orientation of the aerosol generating device 100. More specifically, the orientation sensor 102 is configured to measure the angle of the longitudinal axis of the device 100 relative to the vertical axis based on local gravity.

[0048] The orientation sensor 102 may include one or more sensors. Examples of suitable sensors include, but are not limited to, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, or any combination thereof. The orientation sensor 102 is logically connected to the controller 106. The orientation sensor 102 is configured to provide a continuous data stream indicating time-series orientation data to the controller 106. The frequency with which the orientation sensor 102 provides orientation data to the controller 106 is a design feature.

[0049] Sensor 104 is configured to detect motion of the device, including a tap or shake event by a user at device 100. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, sensor 104 may include one or more sensors. Examples of suitable sensors include, but are not limited to, an accelerometer, button 105, or any combination thereof.

[0050] The sensor 104 is physically connected to the external body 112 of the device 100. More specifically, the sensor 104 is rigidly connected to the external body 112 to ensure that the data signal output by the sensor 104 corresponding to the detected tap or shake event is not unnecessarily suppressed.

[0051] The sensor 104 is capable of detecting motion of the device 100, which motion involves movement of the device in the horizontal, vertical, or azimuth directions, and tapping events on the external body 112 of the device 100. The sensor 104 is configured to detect the number of times the external body 112 of the device has been tapped, and optionally the location on the external body 112 that has been tapped. The sensor 104 is logically connected to the controller 106. When the sensor 104 detects different types of tapping or shaking events, the sensor 104 provides data characterizing these events to the controller 106, so that the controller 106 can detect different types of tapping or shaking events.

[0052] In various embodiments of the invention, the sensor 104 is capable of detecting translational movement of the device as well as tap and shake events at the device. Data from the sensor 104 and the orientation sensor 102 provide the controller 106 with information about the overall motion of the device (including translational movement and orientation movement of the device), as well as information about user input when the sensor 104 is enabled to detect user input.

[0053] The controller 106 is configured to enable the sensor 104 to detect a tap or a shake when it is determined that the orientation of the device 100 detected by the orientation sensor 102 is within a predefined orientation range, and to disable the sensor 104 when it is determined that the orientation of the device 100 detected by the orientation sensor 102 is not within the predefined orientation range. The controller 106 is further configured to operate a component of the device (e.g., the heater 108) when the sensor 104 is enabled and a tap or a shake is detected.

[0054] The controller 106 is configured to receive data from the orientation sensor 102 and the sensor 104. The controller 106 is configured to operate components of the device 100 (e.g., the heater 108) based on user input, including the direction in which the device is shaken. The controller 106 is further configured to operate components of the device (e.g., the heater 108) based on data received from the sensor 104 corresponding to the position and / or number of times the user tapped the external body of the device 112 when the sensor 104 is enabled. For example, if the controller 106 determines from the data from the sensor 104 that the device has been shaken in a vertical direction, the controller will turn on the heater 108.

[0055] The heater 108 is configured to heat a consumable 110 received through an opening (not shown), wherein the consumable 110 includes an aerosol-generating substance. The aerosol-generating substance may include a tobacco substrate that may be solid or semi-solid, which may be heated without burning. In alternative situations, the consumable 110 may include other types of substrates, such as a vaporizable liquid substrate stored in a reservoir.

[0056] Where the aerosol-generating device 100 is a heat-not-burn device, the heater 108 may further be configured to heat a solid consumable product 110 received through the opening.

[0057] The solid consumable product 110 may include shredded tobacco.Solid consumable products known in the art may include a mouthpiece portion or just an end portion from which a user may inhale an aerosol.

[0058] The heater 108 may include any one of a resistive heater, a convection heater, an induction heater, a laser heater, or any heating device known in the art. A skilled person will appreciate that the heater 108 may include multiple heating stages, such as a pre-heating stage and a main heating stage.

[0059] The data storage medium 114 is configured to store data about a predefined range of orientations. The data storage medium 114 is further configured to store data about preprogrammed tap or shake events, and instructions about which components of the device 100 to operate based on whether the sensor 104 detects such a tap or shake event. The controller 106 is logically connected to the data storage medium 114 and is configured to access data from the data storage medium 114.

[0060] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a control sequence in an embodiment of the present invention. At step 202, the orientation sensor 102 detects the orientation of the aerosol generating device 100. The orientation sensor 102 is configured to provide a continuous data stream indicating time-series orientation data to the controller 106. Data about the current orientation of the aerosol generating device 100 is fed from the orientation sensor 102 to the controller 106. The orientation data can be presented in a variety of formats, including, for example, polar coordinates of the device longitudinal axis relative to the vertical axis, or simply the angle between the device longitudinal axis and the vertical axis.

[0061] At step 204, the controller 106 receives data about the current orientation of the aerosol generating device 100 from the orientation sensor 102. The controller 106 is configured to read data stored in the data storage medium 114. The data storage medium 114 is configured to store data including a preferred orientation range. The data stored in the data storage medium 114 indicates the boundaries of the predefined orientation range.

[0062] At step 206 , the controller 106 determines whether the detected orientation of the aerosol generating device 100 is within a predefined orientation range based on a comparison between the orientation data received from the orientation sensor 102 and data comprising the predefined orientation range stored in the data storage medium 114 .

[0063] If the controller 106 determines that the detected orientation of the aerosol-generating device 100 is not within the predefined orientation range, the controller 106 is configured to disable the sensor 104 at step 208. Once the sensor 104 is disabled, the user cannot provide a tap or shake input to the device indicating an instruction to operate a component of the aerosol-generating device 100 (e.g., the heater 108).

[0064] If the controller 106 determines that the detected orientation of the aerosol generating device 100 is within a predefined orientation range, the controller 106 is configured to enable the sensor 104 at step 210. Once the sensor 104 is enabled, the user may provide a tap or shake input to the device indicating an instruction to operate a component of the device (e.g., the heater 108).

[0065] At step 212, the sensor 104 detects a tap or shake input from the user. Data is fed from the sensor 104 to the controller 106. The tap or shake data may be presented in the form of a waveform that plots the appropriate acceleration of the device as measured by the sensor 104 over time.

[0066] At step 214, the controller 106 receives the tap or shake data from the sensor 104. The controller 106 is configured to compare the tap or shake data with the data stored in the data storage medium 114. The data stored in the data storage medium 114 represents a preprogrammed tap or shake pattern, such as shaking or tapping the device twice in a vertical direction. If the tap or shake data matches the preprogrammed tap or shake pattern, the controller 106 will operate the device components corresponding to the tap or shake data.

[0067] Figure 3 3 is a schematic diagram of a predefined orientation range in an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the preferred operating orientation range is defined by the surface of a cone 300 arranged around a vertical axis (in this case, the Y axis). Figure 3 A first example orientation 302 is shown which is within the bounding surface of the cone 300 and is therefore within the predefined range of orientations. Figure 3 Also shown is a second example orientation 304 that lies outside the bounding surface of the cone 300 and is therefore outside the predefined range of orientations.

[0068] The data stored in the data storage medium 114 indicates the boundaries of the predefined orientation range 302. This may include storing the angles in a polar coordinate system or a cylindrical coordinate system.

[0069] Figure 4 4 is a flow chart illustrating a control sequence in another embodiment of the present invention. At step 402, the sensor 104 detects the motion of the aerosol generating device 100. The sensor 104 is configured to provide a continuous data stream indicating time series motion data to the controller 106, which data may include accelerometer data in a Cartesian reference frame. The motion of the aerosol generating device 100 may also include changes in its orientation from the orientation sensor 102, including yaw rotation, pitch rotation, and roll rotation. Data about the current motion of the aerosol generating device 100 is fed from the sensor 104 to the controller 106.

[0070] At step 404, the controller 106 receives data about the current motion of the aerosol generating device 100 from the sensor 104 and optionally the orientation sensor 102. The controller 106 is configured to read data stored in the data storage medium 114. The data storage medium 114 is configured to store data including a predetermined motion. The data stored in the data storage medium 114 indicates the translational movement and the orientation movement of the device in the predetermined motion.

[0071] At step 406, the controller 106 is configured to determine whether the detected movement of the aerosol generating device 100 substantially matches the predetermined movement based on a comparison between the movement data received from the sensor 104 and the data including the predetermined movement stored in the data storage medium 114. The predetermined movement may include expected movement speed, movement range, and minimum and maximum values ​​of angular rotation that are expected when a user performs a typical action of handling the device 100. Thus, the predetermined movement may provide a defined range of movements, all of which would be expected for a typical handling action.

[0072] If the controller 106 determines that the detected motion of the aerosol generating device 100 is not indicative of a predetermined motion, the controller 106 is configured to disable the sensor 104 at step 408. Once the sensor 104 is disabled, the user cannot provide input to the device indicative of instructions to operate components of the aerosol generating device 100 (e.g. the heater 108).

[0073] If the controller 106 determines that the detected motion of the aerosol generating device 100 is indicative of a predetermined motion, the controller is configured to enable the sensor 104 at step 410. Once the sensor 104 is enabled, the user may provide input indicating instructions to operate components of the aerosol generating device 100 (eg, the heater 108).

[0074] At step 412, the controller 106 determines whether the sensor 104 has detected a user input within a predefined time period. The controller 106 may include a timing function that measures the amount of time that has passed since the sensor 104 was enabled. Alternatively, the controller 106 may include a countdown function.

[0075] If the controller 106 detects that the sensor 104 has received user input within a predefined time period, the controller 106 will operate the device components corresponding to the instructions provided by the user in the user input at step 414. For example, a user input pressing the button 105 of the device may instruct the controller to activate the heater 108. This may prevent accidental operation of the device 100.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 and Figure 4 The control sequences described in the embodiments of are combined. Figure 4 At step 406 of the embodiment of the present invention, the controller 106, after determining that the detected movement of the aerosol generating device 100 indicates a predetermined movement, Figure 2 At step 202 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the orientation sensor 102 detects the orientation of the aerosol generating device 100 .

[0077] Steps 204 and 206 are then performed, and if the controller 106 determines that the detected orientation of the aerosol generating device 100 is not within the predefined orientation range, the controller 106 is configured to disable the sensor 104. Alternatively, if the controller 106 determines that the detected orientation of the aerosol generating device 100 is within the predefined orientation range, the controller 106 is configured to enable the sensor 104. After enabling the sensor 104 at step 412, if step 412 is satisfied, then the execution Figure 4 Step 414 in the embodiment of .

[0078] The predetermined motion instructs the user to pick up the device. For example, the predetermined motion may be the longitudinal axis of the device moving from a horizontal plane (e.g. Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the Z-axis or X-axis) is rotated 90 to 180 degrees (± 20 degrees). A wide variety of motions can fall within the boundaries of the predetermined motions to cover different methods that a user may use to take the action.

[0079] Figure 5 , Figure 6 ,and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing possible movements of the device to demonstrate Figure 4 Step 402, step 404 and step 406 in .

[0080] Figure 5 5 is a schematic diagram of a device in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the orientation of the device is depicted as changing from a first starting orientation 502 to a first ending orientation 504.

[0081] In a first starting orientation 502, the longitudinal axis of the device lies in a horizontal plane (XZ plane). Figure 4At step 402 in the embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 104 detects that the longitudinal axis of the device has rotated 120 degrees in the negative X direction to reach the first end orientation 504. At step 404, the controller receives data from the sensor 104 and the orientation sensor 102 throughout the movement of the device between the first starting orientation 502 and the first end orientation 504. At step 406, the controller compares the received data of the movement of the device between the orientation 502 and the orientation 504 with the data of the predetermined movement stored in the data storage medium 114. In this case, at step 410, when the longitudinal axis of the device has rotated an angle that satisfies the predetermined movement condition given in the previous example (rotation from 90 to 180 degrees (± 20 degrees) from the horizontal plane), the sensor 104 of the device will be enabled to detect user input.

[0082] Figure 6 6 is a schematic diagram of a device in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the orientation of the device is depicted as changing from a second starting orientation 602 to a second ending orientation 604.

[0083] In the second starting orientation 602, the longitudinal axis of the device is parallel to the Z axis in the horizontal plane. Figure 4 At step 402 in the embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 104 detects that the longitudinal axis of the device is rotated 90 degrees in the positive Z direction to reach the first end orientation 604. At step 404, the controller receives data from the sensor 104 and the orientation sensor 102 throughout the movement of the device between the second starting orientation 602 and the second end orientation 604. At step 406, the controller compares the received data of the movement of the device between the orientation 602 and the orientation 604 with the data of the predetermined movement stored in the data storage medium 114. At step 410, when the movement of the device meets the predetermined movement condition given in the previous example (rotation from 90 to 180 degrees (± 20 degrees) from the horizontal plane), the sensor 104 of the device will be enabled to detect user input.

[0084] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 , where the orientation of the device is depicted as changing from a third starting orientation 702 to a third ending orientation 704.

[0085] In the third starting orientation 702, the longitudinal axis of the device is parallel to the Z axis in the horizontal plane. Figure 4At step 402 in the embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 104 detects that the longitudinal axis of the device has rotated 60 degrees in the positive Z direction to reach the third end orientation 704. At step 404, the controller receives data from the sensor 104 and the orientation sensor 102 throughout the movement of the device between the third starting orientation 702 and the third end orientation 704. At step 406, the controller compares the received data of the movement of the device between the orientation 702 and the orientation 704 with the data of the predetermined movement stored in the data storage medium 114. At step 408, when the movement of the device does not meet the conditions of the predetermined movement of the aforementioned example (rotation from 90 to 180 degrees (± 20 degrees) from the horizontal plane), the sensor 104 of the device will not be enabled to detect user input.

[0086] In the foregoing example of a predetermined motion (rotation of the longitudinal axis of the device from a horizontal plane (Z-axis or X-axis) by 90 to 180 degrees (± 20 degrees)), no constraints were given on the translational movement of the device. For simplicity of illustration, Figures 5 to 7 The examples given in do not show translational movement of the device. In other examples of predetermined motion, there may also be constraints on the translational movement of the device. For example, the predetermined motion may be that the longitudinal axis of the device is rotated 90 to 180 degrees (±20 degrees) from the horizontal plane (Z axis or X axis), and the device has traveled a path greater than 20 cm in length but less than 1 m in length, which indicates that the user is picking up the device.

[0087] Figure 8 8 is a flow chart illustrating a control sequence in another embodiment of the present invention. At step 802, the sensor 104 detects the motion of the aerosol generating device 100. The sensor 104 is configured to provide a continuous data stream indicating time series motion data to the controller 106, which data may include accelerometer data in a Cartesian reference frame. The motion of the aerosol generating device 100 may also include changes in its orientation from the orientation sensor 102, and the orientation sensor may also be configured to provide time series orientation data to the controller 106, including yaw rotation, pitch rotation, and roll rotation. Data about the current motion of the aerosol generating device 100 is fed from the sensor 104 to the controller 106.

[0088] At step 804, the controller 106 receives data about the current motion of the aerosol generating device 100 from the sensor 104 or from the sensor 104 and the orientation sensor 102. The controller is configured to store the motion data in the data storage medium 114 together with a timestamp tag of the time when the motion data was detected. The timestamp tag data may be presented in a format of hours, minutes, and seconds, for example, 12h:34m.56s. The data storage medium 114 is configured to store data including the detected motion of the device and the associated timestamp tag when the detected motion occurred. The data stored in the data storage medium 114 indicates translational movement and orientational movement of the device.

[0089] At step 806, the sensor detects a user input at the device. In one example, this may involve pressing button 105. In another example, this may involve tapping or shaking the device as detected by sensor 104. At step 808, the controller 106 determines whether the user input is detected within a predefined time period of the timestamp associated with the detected motion data stored in the data storage medium 114. For example, the predefined time period may be 3 seconds (after the timestamp). In this example, if the timestamp label of the detected motion data is 12h:34m.56s, and the user input is received at 12h:34m.58s, the control sequence will proceed to step 810 because the condition of step 808 has been met. However, if the user input is received at 12h:35m.00s, the condition of step 808 is not met, and the control sequence will return to step 802.

[0090] At step 810, the controller 106 determines whether the detected motion data substantially matches the predetermined motion data stored in the data storage medium 114 based on a comparison between the motion data received from the sensor 104 or the sensor 104 and the orientation sensor 102 and the data including the predetermined motion. The predetermined motion may include expected movement speeds, ranges of movement, and minimum and maximum values ​​of angular rotation that are expected when a user performs a typical motion of handling the device 100. Thus, the predetermined motion may provide a defined range of motions, all of which would be expected for a typical handling motion.

[0091] If the controller 106 determines that the detected motion of the aerosol-generating device 100 is not indicative of a predetermined motion, the controller 106 prevents operation of the device components corresponding to the user input and the control sequence returns to step 802 .

[0092] If the controller 106 determines that the detected movement of the aerosol generating device 100 indicates a predetermined movement, the controller 106 operates a component of the device (e.g., heater 108) corresponding to the user input. Therefore, the control sequence provides a dual requirement for operating a component of the device (e.g., heater). Specifically, the control sequence requires the detection of a specific predetermined movement of the device, which corresponds to the expected movement of the device when the device is picked up. Subsequently, the control sequence requires the detection of user input within a predetermined time period, such as pressing button 105. This provides a specific sequence of operations that corresponds to the expected manipulation of the device to start the inhalation process. Only when the specific sequence is detected, the operation (e.g., heating) is started, which can improve safety by preventing accidental activation while reducing user frustration by allowing normal use.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, comprising: an orientation sensor configured to detect an orientation of the device; a sensor configured to detect a tap or shake event at the device; as well as A controller configured to enable the sensor to detect tapping or shaking when it is determined that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is within a predefined orientation range, and to disable the sensor when it is determined that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is not within the predefined orientation range, wherein the controller is further configured to operate a heating function of the device when the sensor is enabled and when tapping or shaking is detected.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured to detect shake involving movement of the device in a horizontal, vertical, or azimuthal direction.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is further configured to operate a heating function of the device upon determining a direction of movement of the device when the device is shaken.

4. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The orientation sensor includes a gyroscope.

5. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The sensor includes an accelerometer.

6. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The device includes an outer body.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The sensor is connected to the external body.

8. An aerosol generating device according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein: The sensor is configured to detect the number of times the outer body of the device has been tapped.

9. An aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The sensor is configured to detect a location on the outer body that has been struck.

10. An aerosol-generating device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The predefined range of orientations includes orientations in which the longitudinal axis of the device is confined within a cone defined about a vertical axis.

11. The aerosol generating device according to claim 10, wherein: The predefined orientation range is bounded by a surface of the cone defined around the vertical axis, and wherein the sensor is an enabled sensor to detect a tap or a shake upon determining that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is within the bounding surface of the cone.

12. A method for using an aerosol generating device, the method comprising: using an orientation sensor to detect an orientation of the device; upon determining that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is within a predefined orientation range, enabling the sensor to detect a tap or shake event using the controller, and upon determining that the orientation of the device detected by the orientation sensor is not within the predefined orientation range, disabling the sensor using the controller; as well as When a tap or shake event is detected when the sensor is enabled, the controller is used to operate a heating function of the device.

13. A computer-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform steps including the method of claim 12.

14. An aerosol generating device, comprising: a motion sensor configured to detect motion of the device; a sensor configured to detect user input; as well as A controller is configured to operate a heating function of the device when the motion sensor detects motion of the device and subsequently the sensor detects a user input, wherein the motion of the device detected by the motion sensor corresponds to a predetermined motion.

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